A woman from Corentyne has become Guyana’s latest centenarian. Sumitre Saju also called “May” from No. 60 Village Corentyne, Berbice, celebrating the milestone on Saturday.
As she celebrated her special day, she thanked the Almighty for providing her with health and strength so she could live to see her 100th birthday.
She had a simple celebration with two of her children and four grandchildren. Nevertheless, the others, who live abroad, sent warm messages with tons of love and affection.
“I feel on fire and I can remember things,” he told the media.
“God had to do it. Bless me, do me so that I may live long. By His grace, I live for so long. Meself knows not how I live for so long, but I believe that God guides and protects me. ”
Saju was born in East Canje where he lived for several years before moving to Bloomfield on the Corentyne. He then married Lawrence Bharat and their union produced nine children – two of whom are now deceased.
She and her family then moved to Village No. 60 where she currently lives. The centenarian, who is fondly remembered, worked in the sugar estate to provide for her children.
“I cut grass, I burn a stick, I cut a cane … When they burn the cane and get enough workers, dem dem is carrying dem lady.”
In her younger days, she joined her husband to plant a garden with mostly vegetables. She also fished to provide meals for her children.
“I’ve done everything before but now it’s about six months now I’m giving up because ah falls in one hammock and gets me a hard knock back … but I’m still can set me lil stove. I can make porridge. I can cook something fuh eat. I’m walking around. I don’t sit down one place. Ah me alone, I have to do things for myself. ”
So far, Saju has no health problems other than a small hearing block.
However, someone would wash their clothes once a week. Besides, one of her sons who lives in the area would often check on his mother along with the kind neighbors.
On a normal day, the elderly woman would take an early morning shower after which she prepares her breakfast but before eating, goes to change it to thank the creator.
He explained that he would then prepare her lunch.
Oftentimes, her son would drop lunch for her when she doesn’t feel like cooking.
In the meantime, he advised the young generation to have friends who are good for them and to live in peace, stay away from violence and, always, live in harmony.
“They should do good and you have to keep good company and live in love.”
May has 44 grandchildren; 69 great-grandchildren; 51 great-grandchildren and 71 great-great-grandchildren. (Andrew Carmichael)